Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood breaks his silence on misconduct allegations and admits ‘it came as a shock’

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood said the allegations of abusive behaviour towards previous contestants on the show came as a “shock” to him.

This week, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, apologised for punching and kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals after he was ousted from the show.

It came after Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended while a BBC research is ongoing about allegations of off-camera misconduct created by Amanda Abbington50, and two other former celebrities, which he denies.

Speaking to radio presenter Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales, Craig, 59, said: ‘I’ve just found out [about the allegations]just like everyone else, through the press.

‘For me it is a shock and news, because the judges are never present at the lessons. We literally come on Saturday and judge only what we see in front of us.

Craig continues: ‘So we’re kept very, very separate from the rest of the company.

‘For us it’s complete news. Every day I read something I think: “That can’t be right”, so I’ll wait and see what happens with the investigations, but we certainly have nothing to do with that.’

Asked if he’s worried about the future of Strictly, he adds: “I don’t think so, because it’s one of those shows that belongs in the hearts of people who love dancing. There’s nothing better than seeing someone come from nowhere, work hard and eventually become an absolutely phenomenal actor.”

It was recently reported that Strictly Come Dancing bosses are considering hiring escorts for the stars after the professional dancers be accused of misconduct.

The BBC is said to be making its duty of care ‘tighter’ by making director Sam Bickley responsible for the welfare of participants.

Craig, who is currently starring in the UK tour of The Wizard Of Oz, said he thought it was a good idea.

“When I was in Annie, we had counselors everywhere, because of the kids, the laws and stuff like that,” he said.

“And I’ve noticed that in the theater world we have counselors and people we can talk to if you’re having a bad day.”

This week, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, apologized for punching and kicking his famous partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals after he was fired (pictured)

It came just weeks after Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended while a BBC investigation continues into claims of off-screen misconduct by Amanda Abbington, 50 (pictured)

Craig added: “We have psychologists on the shows these days and everything, so I think it’s just a normal progression of what’s happening in life these days.”

“I think it’s good. I think it’s good to have that.”

It was reported on Tuesday that a third Strictly Come Dancing professional has been named as a ‘person of interest’ after allegations of abuse and bullying overshadowed the show.

The sun reports that a third professional dancer, who is no longer on the show, is also part of the investigation into the BBC series.

A source told the publication: ‘The name of a professional has been mentioned, alongside Giovanni and Graziano.

“He’s no longer part of the show, but he’s been named as a person of interest. Discussions are ongoing and there are more people who need to be approached.”

They added: ‘A dossier is being compiled which will be handed to the BBC. What is becoming clear is that there appears to be a widespread problem with the behaviour of some trainee professionals.

‘And the more people come forward, the clearer the picture becomes.’

MailOnline has asked the BBC for comment.

On Tuesday strictly Bosses announced plans to employ mentors during training and appoint two new welfare producers, following Graziano’s shock sacking from the show.

Now bosses have announced they are taking ‘additional steps to strengthen the welfare and support of Strictly Come Dancing.’

A statement from the corporation said: ‘The concerns that have arisen over the past few months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we are announcing today are designed to address that.’

The new measures include having a member of the production team present at rehearsals in the training room at all times and providing more support to both celebrity contestants and professional dancers.

For these additional tasks, a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer will be appointed. In addition, additional training will be provided for the production team and crew.

Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC, said: ‘We know that our shows have been a positive experience for the vast majority of participants. However, if concerns are raised with us or we are made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take it seriously and take action.

‘The concerns that have arisen fundamentally relate to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and announced today serve to further enhance the well-being and support for everyone involved in this production.’

It was reported on Tuesday that a third Strictly professional has been appointed as a ‘person of interest’ in the wake of allegations of abuse and bullying (Amanda and Giovanni pictured)

The announcement came just hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal

She wrote that while much of her time on Strictly was ‘everything I could have imagined’ in the training room, there were ‘particular incidents that were incredibly painful’

Reacting to his departure from the show, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima wrote on Instagram last weekend: ‘I deeply regret the events that have led to my departure from Strictly’

The announcement comes just hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal.

On Tuesday morning, she wrote on Instagram that while much of her time on Strictly was “everything I could have imagined” in the training room with Graziano, there were “particular incidents that were incredibly painful”.

‘I thought it was right to post something about the recent media reports,’ Zara began. ‘Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl.’

‘When I was invited to join the show, it was truly a childhood dream come true. I fully understood how much dedication and hard work Strictly would bring and I dedicated everything to it.’

“I am a resilient person and I was willing to do whatever it took.”

‘And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could ever have dreamed of. The whole production team and everyone behind the scenes, and my fellow contestants too, were so amazing to work with.

‘My experience in the training room, however, was very different. There are accounts of my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some of the events, as well as videos of certain incidents that are incredibly painful to watch.

Zara explained that she did not report the incidents at the time because she was “afraid” of negative reactions.

IInstead, it was the junior production staff who came forward to share what they had seen while researching professional dancers Jan took place.

He added: ‘My intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training regime’

“I’ve struggled with the fear of opening up. I was afraid of the public’s negative reactions, I was afraid of my future, I was afraid of victim shaming,” Zara wrote on Instagram.

‘But after many conversations with the people I love, I found the strength to face these fears. When I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the programme.

‘The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak out, especially in a world where opinions and voices are so loud on social media. This is something I have seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.

‘I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, and everyone who has contacted me – it really means a lot. Love, always. Zara.’